A theft incident at the Human Bean Coffee kiosk on NE Plum Drive led to the arrest of Christopher Chilton, a 50-year-old man from Klamath Falls, on September 13, 2023. Madras Police officers were dispatched around 12:50 PM and quickly identified Chilton, prompting a foot pursuit as he fled the scene. The situation intensified when officers heard gunfire, leading them to pause their pursuit for safety reasons until additional law enforcement arrived. Once back up was on the scene, the officers resumed their chase and apprehended Chilton at gunpoint with the help of Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies. He now faces charges of Escape III and misdemeanor theft, with a court appearance set for September 14th.

Chief Tim Plummer expressed gratitude for the collaborative response from Central Oregon law enforcement partners. This incident not only highlights the dangers faced by police officers but also emphasizes the importance of inter-agency cooperation. The community's safety remains a top priority as law enforcement works together to address crime effectively.